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Sleep Phenomena from the Perspectives of Islam and Science

Farahwahida Mohd Yusofa*, Siti Norlina Muhamada, Arieff Salleh Rosmana, Sarimah Noor Ahmadb, Nor Farhah Razakb, Nor Izzati
Hashimb, Asmahani Awangb
aCentre of Research for Fiqh Science & Technology (CFiRST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
bFaculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: farahwamy@utm.my

Article history Abstract

Received :25 April 2013
Received in revised form :
10 February 2014
Accepted :20 February 2014
This article discusses the phenomenon of sleep, with emphasized to its importance, sleeping times, sleeping
positions and even the etiquette of sleeping, from the views of Islam and Science. The Quran and Science
are inseparable and the relationship between the two is highly balanced. Scientists have said that the
phenomena of sleep is a miracle that deserves to be analysed and studied in depth, as it is a complex
phenomena. Glory and Praise to be Allah Almighty has decreed in the Quran of the importance of sleep in
the day and night, and that sleep is one of the signs of Allah’s Almighty power and is a miracle to be studied
by each individual. Islam places great importance on taking care of one’s body and sleep is one need that
has to be fulfilled. Scientists have stressed that sleep is needed to rest the brain, improve memory, and
increase one’s energy. This shows that Islam places great importance on having productivity and alertness
in each individual’s deed. Many scientific facts that had been clearly stated in a fundamental manner in the
Quran could only be analysed with the advanced technology of the 20th century. These facts were not
known when they were first revealed and are proof that the Quran is the book of Allah Almighty. The view
of Islam on the sleep phenomenon is in line with and is according to the findings of contemporary science.

Keywords: Sleep; al-Quran; sciences; phenomenon; contemporary

Abstrak

Artikel ini membincangkan tentang fenomena tidur yang membahaskan tentang kepentingannya, waktu
tidur, posisi tidur mahupun adab tidur dari kaca mata Islam dan Sains. Al-Quran dan Sains tidak dapat
dipisahkan bahkan hubungan antara duanya adalah suatu hubungan yang sangat seimbang. Para saintis
mengatakan fenomena tidur adalah satu keajaiban yang layak direnungkan dan dikaji secara mendalam
kerana ia merupakan fenomena kompleks. Maha Suci Allah yang telah mengisyaratkan dalam al-Quran
tentang pentingnya tidur pada waktu malam dan siang hari, dan menegaskan bahawa tidur adalah salah satu
tanda kebesaran Allah dan keajaiban yang harus dikaji oleh setiap individu. Islam menitik beratkan
penjagaan tubuh badan dan tidur merupakan salah satu hak yang perlu dipenuhi. Para saintis menegaskan
bahawa keperluan tidur bagi merehatkan otak, mengukuhkan ingatan, dan meningkatkan kecergasan
seseorang. Semua ini menunjukkan bahawa Islam amat mementingkan produktiviti yang berkualiti dan
kecergasan diri seseorang dalam setiap amalan. Banyak fakta saintifik yang dinyatakan secara jelas dengan
cara yang amat mendasar dalam al-Quran hanya mampu disingkap melalui kecanggihan teknologi abad ke-
20. Semua fakta ini tidak diketahui ketika penurunan wahyu dan ini juga adalah bukti bahawa al-Quran
adalah kalam Allah S.W.T. Pandangan Islam tentang fenomena tidur selaras dan bertepatan dengan
penemuan sains kontemporari.

Kata kunci: Tidur; al-Quran; sains; fenomena; kontemporari

© 2014 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.

1.0 INTRODUCTION information and the organization of cell waves, as well as to

The sleep phenomenon occurs in every living thing. It is one of
the gifts of Allah Almighty to his creation, deserving gratitude
and serious consideration. The human body is able to obtain full
respite, with a good sleep.
Scientists have found that the brain in fact gets tired during
the day time, due to the compilation data delivered to it, leading
to a reduction in performance effectiveness. Therefore the human
body requires respite, even though just for brief moment.
Relaxation of the brain will allow it to reorganize all the
consolidate the information obtained during the day time [1].
Frequently, the sleep phenomenon is linked with the
metaphysical world. This relates to the condition of the body
when the spirit leaves the body. When asleep, the body and soul
remain present while the spirit is lifted temporarily to the
metaphysical world. When the spirit is reunited with the body,
the body will awaken, together with its’ awareness and
consciousness [2].
In light of the importance of sleep to generate rest in
mankind, the Prophet p.b.u.h. taught us how to sleep in

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accordance with the Islam demands, as sleep is the best form of
rest. Aside from food and drink, sleep is also the first step
towards rejuvenation.
2.0 DEFINITION OF “SLEEP”
Linguistically, sleep (an-naum in Arabic) is synonymous with
the word to lie down (mudtaji’), to be still (ar-raqd) and
sleepiness (an-nu`as) [3]. Al-Isfahani [4] defined sleep as
follows: “to soften the nerves of the brain, with moisture of
oxygen to the brain”. Other views; sleep is a state where Allah
Almighty holds a person’s soul without death. Sleep is also
known as the little death, while death is the heavy sleep.“
Whereas according to al-Kindi: “Sleep is to allow the soul to be
used by all senses. If we do not see, hear, feel, taste, touch,
without any usual illness (causing it) and we are in a normal
state, then we are said to be sleeping” [5]. Sleep is also defined
as the body being in an unconscious state, where eyes are closed,
because of resting [6]. In Latin, sleep is known as “somnus”
which means recovery and is a physiological state to rest the
brain and the body. Meanwhile, scientists are of the view that
sleep is a subconscious state where a person can still be
awakened by the application of sensoric or other stimulants [7].
Therefore, sleep is indeed the best form of rest for the
human body, tired from its daily activities. A biological process
moving actively in the brain that greatly impacts on the human
body. Indeed, sleep is a state where Allah Almighty holds a
person’s soul without giving him death. Hence sleep is seen as a
gift that is bestowed by Allah Almighty to mankind. Allah says
which means:
“It is out of His Mercy that He has put for you night and day,
that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you
may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day), and in order that
you may be grateful.”
3.0 SLEEPS AS A SIGN OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY
POWER
Allah Almighty has decreed in the Noble Quran on how
important sleep is during day and night, as well as affirming that
sleep is one of the signs of his greatness, and a miracle that must
be reflected on. Allah Almighty said, which means:
“And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and
by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are
indeed signs for a people who listen.”
[Surah al-Rum: 23]
Imam Ibn Kathir emphasized [8]:
“It is included in signs of His greatness, Allah makes sleep for
you by night and by day, with sleep man will have peace,
serenity, and all his weariness and tiredness may fall away.”
Professor Dr. Quraish Shihab [9] when explaining the
above sentence stated that there are no obstacles to understanding
the statement in accordance with its text and sound. Indeed the
nights were created by Allah Almighy for rest (sleep) and the day
for fortune (work). The sentence can also be understood to mean
in the opposite, as some people work during the night instead of
in the day time. He further said, to date, scholars have not yet
understood the process of sleep, how it occurs, the science of
dreams, and other aspects relating to sleep. For this reason, more
research needs to be done on the secrets of sleep.
Seen from the aspect of faith, Dr. Adnan Syarif [10]
believed that during sleep, the spirit leaves only a part of the body
and soul and returns to the Creator. Sleep is a small death for the
body and soul and by returning the spirit to the Creator, the soul
and the whole body can rest. This is because the spiritis is the
first cause and stimulant of the soul and body. Because of the
presence of the spirit, the soul and body experience fatigue.
Through the activity of sleep, gradually the entire body of a
living being can have a temporary respite from the heavy burden
it bears.
Based on his experience in treating patients with anxiety
and insomnia, Dr. Adnan is of the view that treatment via
sleeping pills is of little use. However, he finally succeeded in
educating the patients that belief in Allah Almighty is the best
and safest way to achieve peaceful and serene sleep [11].
Additionally, people are most often visited by dreams while
sleeping. In fact, Sigmund Freud explained that dreams are the
psychic activities of a person when sleeping or under the realms
of awareness. The soul of a sleeping person is still connected to
the outside world. Dreams are only impulses which have been
surpressed, yet to be manifested through virtual actions [12].
Until today, man has yet to uncover the secrets of dreams. How
does a spirit leave the body and how does it interact in the dream
realm? These questions are yet to be answered by man and
clearly demonstrate the power and might of Allah Almighty.
3.1 Sleep is the Body’s Right
Islam not only asks man to sleep, but also stresses that it is a need
that must be met. Each Muslim must allow the body its rights to
rest, after a long day’s work and carrying out various exhausting
activities. From the hadith of the Prophet p.b.u.h. on the story of
Abu Darda, who, amongst others, had not wanted to sleep at
night because he had wanted to do night worship, Salman, his
friend had rebuked him, saying:
“Your Lord has rights over you, your self has rights over you
and your wife has the right over you. Give those rights their
due." When the Prophet p.b.u.h. heard the words of Salman,
the Prophet said: “Salman spoke the truth.” [13]
The above hadith requires each Muslim to emphasise the
body’s health condition, by allowing it to get enough rest, and
sleep is a need which cannot be neglected. In fact it is the natural
urge of every living thing, which is why every person will sleep
at a specific time at night, and wake at a specific time in the day,
without needing to be woken up by anyone.
Hence, sleep is one of life’s main needs, for all living things.
Each being who is denied the chance to or is prevented from
sleep, will in a very short time, die. However, our level of
knowledge has yet to successfully understand the main reason
every living man organizes a collection of chemical compounds
which influence the sleep nerve centres in the brain, in such a
way that the person may sleep and be healthy [14].
3.2 Sleep is a Form of Worship
Sleep is a form of rest urged by Islam and is considered as
worship. As a religion that comprehensively covers all aspects of
a man’s life, sleep is given emphasis as a form of respite and rest
for the body in order to properly perform daily activities and
worship. Imam Bukhari narrated from Aisyah r.a. that the
Prophet p.b.u.h. had said, which means:
"If one of you dozes off, he must sleep until the drowsiness
fades. If someone prays when he is drowsy, he is more likely
to find himself reciting istighfar when he is in fact asking for
something bad for himself." [15]
In other hadiths, it is related that Prophet p.b.u.h. once
entered a mosque and found a rope connecting two pillars. On
enquiry, he was told that the rope belonged to Zainab, for her to
cling to when she was tired while performing solat. The Prophet
p.b.u.h. immediately issued the following instruction:
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"Untie these ropes! Let one of you pray when he has the energy
for it, and when sleepy, let him sleep.” [16]
Both these hadiths show that Islam places great importance
on good productivity in each deed. It also illustrates the
relationship between productivity and the quality of worship,
with a person’s state of fitness. Sleep is one of the ways to re-
energize a person.
4.0 DURATION OF SLEEP
Generally, humans need between six to eight hours of sleep daily.
This view however has been rejected by Western scientists,
amongst them Dr Ray Meddis, a professor in the Department of
Human Sciences, England Universty of Technology, who stated
that a person actually needs only three hours of sleep [17]. Sleep
experts have agreed that the need for sleep differs for each
person. An optimum sleep is at a rate which will not cause a
person to feel sleepy when concentrating on a task. For some, the
optimum rate is five to six hours each night. However the normal
rate for an adult is between seven to eight hours.
There are no specific provisions regulating how many hours
a person need to sleep a day. However, most medical
professionals will suggest a minimum of eight hours a day. The
number of hours required by a person will depend on the age,
type of work, activities carried out and the condition of that
person [18]. This is because the number of sleeping hours of
children is higher, as compared to that of adults. Children need
more sleep a day compared to adults to allow them to develop
and grow well. And individuals whose work requires more
mental power will require more sleep compared to those whose
work are more physical in nature [19].
5.0 SLEEP FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF SCIENCE
AND ISLAM
Sleep activity is a different activity from activities of
consciousness, as sleep does not mean the body weakens or a
withdrawal from the human body’s activities. Instead several
changes occur to the functions of a body’s organs in a regulated
periodical manner. In addition, there is a change in the activity
of the endocrine glands. At sleep, the body temperature reduces,
blood pressure is lowered, and the production of hormone for
activity and movements also reduce, such as, for example the
cortisone hormone. However, growth hormones will increase
during sleep [20].
A deep sleep is a ‘luxury’ and is a blessing. Fatigue caused
by insufficient sleep, can lead to physical and mental stress.
Sleep is one of the gifts given by Allah Almighty to mankind.
Every day, a person will experience two completely different
worlds; the conscious world, and the realm of sleep, in which no
soul, spirit and intellect exists. While sleeping, a person does not
see, hear or feel the passing of time. It clearly proves the might
of Allah Almighty who brings to life and puts to death each of
His creation regardless of day or night.
5.1 The Night Time
The biological rhythm is a system found in the human body,
which can cause a body to feel tired and drowsy at night, and
alert in the day time. This situation is controlled by hormones in
our bodies where the pineal gland will produce the melatonin
hormone at night, which causes sleepiness when the part of the
brain known as hypothalamus, is stimulated by it. The rate of
melatonin in the body is at its optimum around 1.30 a.m. to 2.00
a.m. in the morning, and at its minimum at 6.00 a.m. in the
morning [21]. At the front of the hypothalamus is the operation
centre for the sleep nerves system, whereas the consciousness
nerves operator is found at the back of the hypothalamus. Both
these nervous operating centres work and rest in turn, to allow
the coordination of sleep and rest with the cycle of day and night.
It is clear that there exists in the brain, a biological clock that is
immensely exact and precise in coordinating sleep and
consciousness [22].
From the biological aspects, a human physical system itself
forces the body to rest. Generally the life cycle of a man has been
well organized. From the Islamic perspective, every Muslim
believes that night is the creation of Allah Almighty, created as
a gift to allow mankind to rest, as was clearly explained in the
Quran, which means:
“And it is He Who makes the night a covering for you, and the
sleep (as) repose, and makes the day Nushur (i.e. getting up
and going about here and there for daily work, etc. after one's
sleep at night or like resurrection after one's death).”
[Surah al-Furqan: 47]
Ahmad Syauqi Ibrahim has stated that the biological time in
a human body concur with the rotation of night and day, in that
the biological cycle sees increased activities in the day and
decreased activities at night [23]. There clearly exists a strong
relationship between results of scientific research and the truth
found in the Quran. The suitability of night accepted by the brain
for resting (sleep) is clearly in accordance with the Quranic
verses, which had emphasized relaxation at night as required by
the human body.
5.2 Day Time (Qailullah)
Scientifically, unlike in the day time, the human body is
influenced by the cortisol hormone. This hormone affects the
body when doing various activities. Cortisol or better known as
stress hormone acts to accelerate the cardio and respiratory
movements in the day. The production of these hormones is at its
maximum when a person experiences stress. Biologically, it has
been proven that the productive time to do work is between 8.00
a.m. in the morning to 1.00 p.m. in the afternoon. An individual
will enter into the “secondary sleep gate” phase after undergoing
the productive period.
Islam encourages sleeping for a short while in the afternoon,
known as “qailullah” or “napping” in English [24]. Al-Qailullah
is a Sunnah of the Prophet p.b.u.h. which means taking a short
nap of around 10 to 20 minutes during the day. Indeed it can also
be done by lying down and resting. Qailullah completes the sleep
taken at night, especially if a person is too sleepy or is tired. In
the book “Misykatul Masabih” it is said:
“A short nap in the afternoon is not looked down upon. The
Prophet p.b.u.h. has done the same. This can balance the
strength of the body after performing night prayers.”
Scientifically, qailullah provides great benefit, as have been
acknowledged by scientists in the world. Qailullah generally can
provide physiological and psychological benefits to a worker.
The results of a study conducted over a period of 25 years in
relation to the effect of sleep in industrial and post industrial
countries, have found that 92.5% of workers who had the
opportunity to nap in the afternoon, had higher levels of
creativity compared to those who did not. Their ability to resolve
problems also improved, simultaneously increasing their overall
productivity [25].
Sleep experts from Cornell University conclude that an
afternoon nap of around 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient to re-
energize and for a person to be healthy [26]. Whereas another
researcher, Mr. Donald Greeley is of the view that naps are
beneficial as long as they do not exceed 1 hour. Amongst the
experts who encourage day time naps are Dr. William A.
Anthony and Camille W. Anthony, authors of The Art of Napping
at Work. David F .Dinges and Roger J. Broughton in their book
Sleep and Alertness also agreed with this view. A short nap in
the afternoon for 30 minutes can reduce the risk of heart
108 Farahwahida Mohd Yusof et al. / Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences & Engineering) 67:1 (2014), 105–110
problems by 30% compared to those who do not nap [27]. The
effectiveness of qailullah has led to many positive results, such
as reducing headaches and migraine, improving the memory and
increasing productivity at work [28].
5.2.1 The Implementation of the Al-Qailullah Concept
Generally, it is not aware that al-qailullah is actually being
practiced by other non-Muslims countries such as the United
States of America, Canada and Japan, called the “power nap”, or
the power of a short sleep. After decades of research, the
importance of qailullah has been acknowledged by many, for
instance, the U.S.A had established the National Sleep Disorder
Association to increase public awareness about the positive
effects of daytime naps [29].
In Malaysia, specifically for workers from various sectors,
this culture is yet to be popular, and in fact, is viewed with
suspicion by employers and colleagues. This is compared to the
West which possesses awareness of the positive impacts of
qailullah, as seen by the fact that many organisations are
encouraging their employees to take short naps in the afternoon.
Japanese workers, for instance, well-renowned for their high
productivity, are encouraged to take short naps in the afternoon.
This is evidenced by the establishment of nap salons in major
cities in Japan. Taking short naps have also been implemented in
Meizan High School in Japan, in the year 2005, to promote
mental fitness by encouraging students to take a 15 minute nap
after lunch [30].
Ariz; an up and coming Software Company in Scottsdale,
allows its workers to take short naps in beds in a luxury rooms,
complete with calming music, couches and privacy. In addition,
organisations such as Yahoo!, Time Warner and Hearst for
example, have employed YeloSpa (an organization carrying out
spa treatments), to help raise the workers’ productivity [31].
Based on this finding, Canada has initiated steps to
formulate a policy to allow workers to take a short nap during
working hours, at specified schedules. This was implemented for
the employees of Canadian Pacific Railway in Calgary and will
be expanded to all Railway Departments in Canada and U.S.A if
successful.
Employers should allow their employees to get a good rest
in the day time, by not organizing meetings or assigning tasks to
the employees that will affect their afternoon breaks. The
implementation of qailullah which is clearly effective in
improving the quality of work should be expanded to the public
and private sectors in this country.
5.3 The Prohibition of Sleeping Between Two PrayingTimes
and Its Rule
There are two periods during which sleep has been forbidden by
the Prophet p.b.u.h., that is, after subh and after asar prayers. The
Prophet p.b.u.h. did not sleep after morning (subh) prayers as
Allah Almighty give His blessing to those who work in the
mornings. The Prophet p.b.u.h. said, as reported by al-Tabarani,
which meant:
“Work in the morning (subh) in finding your fortune, as
working in the morning brings blessings and success.” [32]
In relation thereto, the fuqaha’ panel decreed that sleeping
after morning (subh) prayers is makhruh (or is strongly
discouraged). Although in fact there are no justifications or
verified hadiths on this prohibition on sleeping after subh (only
the views from scholars on sleeping after morning prayers being
strongly discouraged but no direct ban). On the hadiths which
stated that those who sleep after morning (subh) prayers will find
it difficult to find fortune, Sheikh Muhammed Salih al-Munajjid
said that he had never come across any prohibition on this. As
there are no verified hadiths on this matter, the rule therefore is
that it is permissible. However, that notwithstanding, the Prophet
p.b.u.h. and his companions, did not make it a habit to sleep after
morning prayers. They stayed awake until sunrise.
On sleeping after asar, there are justifications on it based on
the following hadiths:
“Whoever sleeps after `Asr, and as a result of that his brain
weakened, he should not blame except himself.” [33]
However, the hadith above has been classified as being too
weak by Albani, al-Dhahabi, Ibn Jawzi and others. Ibn Qaiyim
[34] further added:
"Sleeping in the day is condemned because he will inherit the
inflammation disease (face looks swollen and dark) disaster,
pigmentation, inflamed spleen, debilitation of the nerve and
lower libido. The most abhorrent sleep is during the earliest
period of the day (sunrise) and worst than that is the sleep at
the end of the day (after Asr)."
From the above explanation, it is clear that there are no
specific prohibitions against sleeping after morning prayers.
However, it is better not to sleep then, but to maximize the time
therein with activities that are beneficial and not time wasting.
The same applies to sleeping after asar. However,
notwithstanding the same, sleeping in the late afternoon has been
shown to weaken a person although not to the point of insanity.
What is important is that it cannot be said to be a hadith from the
Prophet p.b.u.h. and thus should be taken as an advice or words
of wisdom on not weakening the body.
6.0 THE SLEEPING POSITIONS BASED ON SUNNAH
AND SCIENCE
Human beings need to allocate time for sleep to obtain rest for
themselves.That is why a man can sleep in a sitting position
although this will not give the rest that the body requires. The
sleeping position has significant impact on a person’s health.
Their physical and mental health may be adversely affected by
something incorrectly applied during sleep. In addition, sleep can
be considered as a form of a slave’s worship to his Creator, if the
person sleeps in line with the Rasulullah’s Sunnah. This is
because, in the Prophet p.b.u.h. there can be found good example,
as has been said by Allah Almighty in His decree:
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah
an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the
Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.”
(Surah al-Ahzab: 21)
Among the hadiths on the sleeping position of the Prophet
p.b.u.h. are as follows:
“If you are intending to sleep then take ablution as if you are
going to pray, then lie down on your right hip, and recite this
doa (as explained below) and make the recitation the last thing
you say (your words).” [35]
The Apostle p.b.u.h. further said, which means:
“As reported by Al-Barra’ bin Azib: “The Apostle p.b.u.h.
when he is about to sleep he will lie on his right, and recite:
“Oh Allah, I submit to you and I turn my face to you and
entrust my affairs to you and I retreat to you for protection
with hope for you and fear of you, indeed there is no resort
and no delivery from your punishments other than return to
you. I affirm my faith in the Book you revealed and the
messenger whom you sent.” [36]
Other hadiths are:
From Huzaifah, he said “Indeed the Prophet p.b.u.h. when
lying in his bed, will put his right palm under his right cheek,
and recite a prayer which means: “Oh My Lord, save me from
109 Farahwahida Mohd Yusof et al. / Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences & Engineering) 67:1 (2014), 105–110
Your punishment on the Day when You resurrect Your slave.”
[37]
The Prophet p.b.u.h. also said which mean:
“Lie on your right rib.” [38]
There are many hadiths of the Prophet p.b.u.h. which
suggest sleeping on one’s right side clearly will have many
benefits. From the perspective of health, the best sleep position
is by lying on one’s right, as the left lung is smaller than the right
lung, which will cause the heart to bear a lighter burden. The liver
will also be in a fixed stable place and not in suspense. The
stomach will lie snugly above it. This will make it easier to
discharge food from the stomach after the digestion process
completes.
Based on the hadiths explained above, although every
Muslim is encouraged to prefer sleeping on the right (on right
ribs), pillowed with the right palm, it is not wrong to move the
position to the left. Notwithstanding the foregoing, sleeping on
the left is not encouraged, as the heart will then be pressed by the
right lung, which is bigger than the left lung. This can affect the
heart’s function, and reduces its efficiency, especially for the
elders. At the same time, the stomach, full at the time, will also
put pressure on the heart.
Studies which have been conducted on the differences
between sleeping on the right side and on the left side, have
shown that food move from the stomach to the colon in about 2.5
hours to 4.5 hours for those who sleep on their right, whereas the
same process will take from 5 to 8 hours for those who sleep on
the left.
Whereas the result of one scientific study has found that
sleeping on the right side or left side can improve the quality of
sleep and also lowers the risk of having neck pain upon waking
[39].
The instructions of the Apostle p.b.u.h. in the hadiths above
are not in respect of any obligatory practices; as at other times,
he had also changed his sleeping position. In other narrated
hadiths, the Apostle p.b.u.h. once laid on his back by placing one
leg on top of the other, as explained in the hadith below:
“From ‘Abbad bin Tamim, from his uncle, indeed Rasulullah
p.b.u.h. had slept on his back in the mosque while putting one
leg over the other.” [40]
Commenting on this sleeping position, Dr. Thafer al-Attar
[41] emphasized that this way will lead to breathing through the
mouth, as the mouth will open when lying on the back, as the jaw
will be loosened. It is better to have breathing occur through the
nostrils as there are tiny hairs and fluid which act to filter
incoming filter and there are many veins to heat the air. Breathing
through the mouth will cause a person to catch a cold in the
winter, and also lead to dryness of the gum, which eventually
may lead to inflammation.
In relation to sleeping on the stomach or lying face down,
there are hadiths that refer to the Apostle p.b.u.h. advice against
this. Abu Hurairah r.a had narrated that the Apostle p.b.u.h., upon
seing a man lying down on his stomach, said which means:
“Indeed this is the way of lying down which invokes the wrath
of Allah Almighty and his messengers.”[42]
In another hadith, Abu Umamah r.a narrated: the Prophet
p.b.u.h. approached a man who was sleeping on his stomach in
the mosque. He then hit his leg and said:
“Awake you from your sleep and sit, as indeed this is how the
sleep of the people of Hell.”[43]
On this method of sleeping , Dr. Thafer al-Attar states that a
person sleeping on his stomach will after some time, find it
difficult to breath from the weight on his back, which will
prevent the chest from expanding and contracting while inhaling
or exhaling breath. This position also causes difficulty in
breathing and can affect the heart and brain [44].
From the hadiths of the Prophet p.b.u.h. and the findings of
scientific research carried out as mentioned above, it can be
summarized that the best sleeping position is on the right chest,
that is, to lie on one’s right side. Changes to this position after
sleeping will not be a problem as long as one is not lying on the
stomach. Clearly the Prophet p.b.u.h’s Sunnah if practiced, has a
variety of benefits to the spiritual and physical health.
7.0 CONCLUSION
Sleep is a biological phenomenon that cannot be denied by
anyone. Man may be able to abstain from food or drink but not
from sleeping. Islam’s views on sleep whether on its importance,
the time, the position, etiquette and other aspects, can be proven
through current studies especially in this modern era of science
and technology. The Quran and science are inseparable and the
link between them is one that is well balanced. The teachings of
Islam with regards to sleep, emphasizes that sleep is one of the
gifts of Allah Almighty and acts to take care of one’s health for
the survival of life. Failure to get enough sleep will lead to
conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnoea, sleepwalking, and
other types of ailments. Many scientific facts which had been
expressed clearly in a fundamental manner in the Quran can only
be analysed now with the advent of 20th century technology. All
these facts were not known at the time of revelation and this is
further proof that the Quran is the word and book of God. Indeed,
the teaching of Islam is so perfect and comprehensive over all
daily problems and is a balanced teaching that can raise mankind
to excellence.
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